Gifts to both academics and athletics will be honored at the next celebratory bell-ringing event at Emporia State on Friday, Jan. 24.

“We’re excited to kick off the spring semester by celebrating two gifts to the Now & Forever campaign, one of which benefits the School of Business and the other the Athletic Department,” said DenaSue Potestio, Emporia State University Foundation president and vice president for university advancement.

“In addition to enhancing Emporia State University, the gifts will truly make a positive impact on the entire community of Emporia,” Potestio added.

The festivities will include ringing Silent Joe, the bell in the stone tower southeast of Welch Stadium. Ringing the bell has become one of the campaign’s audible icons of success.

“Each time we receive a sizeable gift like the one we’re announcing this week, we ring Silent Joe to tell our supporters we’re ‘Silent No More,’” said Jennifer Denton, the Foundation’s vice president for administration and stewardship, echoing the comprehensive campaign’s theme.

The gifts’ benefactors will be revealed during the celebration from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Sauder Alumni Center, 1500 Highland St., Emporia. The event is open to the public.

Emporia State University is a dynamic and progressive student-centered learning community that fosters student success through engagement in academic excellence, community and global involvement, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.